Simple kinematics problem — falling from a geostationary satellite

  • Thread starter Thread starter AlternativePhysics
  • Start date Start date
AlternativePhysics
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
Given that gravitational acceleration at geostationary altitude is 0.221 m/s², and neglecting air resistance, how long does it take for a marble released from a geostationary satellite in orbit to reach the ground?
Relevant Equations
F = mg, where g varies with altitude: g(r) = GM/r²
F = mg, where g varies with altitude: g(r) = GM/r²
Orbital velocity: v = √(GM/r)
I know g at that altitude is 0.221 m/s² but I'm not sure how to integrate the increasing gravitational acceleration as the object approaches Earth. I attempted using kinematic equations but g is not constant during the fall.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How about integrating
$$dt=\frac{dr}{v}$$
where
$$\frac{v^2}{2}-\frac{GM}{r}=const.$$?
 
Welcome to PF.

AlternativePhysics said:
how long does it take for a marble released from a geostationary satellite in orbit to reach the ground?
That's a trick question. If you release a marble from a geostationary satellite, it just continues in the same orbit as the satellite. If you mean "a marble is released from rest as a geostationary satellite goes by...", that is a different question. Did you quote the schoolwork question word-for-word?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Bystander, Matterwave, vela and 3 others

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K